ASROCK A88M-G/3.1 User Manual
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ASROCK A88M-G/3.1 User Manual

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A88M-G/3.1
A 8 8 M - G / 3 . 1
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Summary of Contents for ASROCK A88M-G/3.1

  • Page 1 A88M-G/3.1 A88M-G/3.1 A 8 8 M - G / 3 . 1 A 8 8 M - G / 3 . 1...
  • Page 2 (including damages for loss of profits, loss of business, loss of data, interruption of business and the like), even if ASRock has been advised of the possibility of such damages arising from any defect or error in the documentation or product.
  • Page 3 The terms HDMI™ and HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface, and the HDMI logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC in the United States and other countries.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Onboard Headers and Connectors AMD Dual Graphics Operation Guide M.2_SSD (NGFF) Module Installation Guide 3. Software and Utilities Operation Installing Drivers A-Tuning ASRock Live Update & APP Shop 4. UEFI SETUP UTILITY Introduction 4.1.1 UEFI Menu Bar 4.1.2 Navigation Keys...
  • Page 5 Main Screen OC Tweaker Screen Advanced Screen 4.4.1 CPU Configuration 4.4.2 North Bridge Configuration 4.4.3 South Bridge Configuration 4.4.4 Storage Configuration 4.4.5 Super IO Configuration 4.4.6 ACPI Configuration 4.4.7 USB Configuration 4.4.8 Trusted Computing Tool Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen Boot Screen Security Screen Exit Screen...

  • Page 6: Introduction

    In case any modifications of this manual occur, the updated ver- sion will be available on ASRock website without further notice. You may find the latest VGA cards and CPU support lists on ASRock website as well. ASRock website http://www.asrock.com...

  • Page 7: Specifications

    1.2 Specifications Platform • Micro ATX Form Factor • Solid Capacitor design • Supports Socket FM2+ 95W / FM2 100W processors • 4 + 2 Power Phase design Chipset • AMD A88X (Bolton-D4) Memory • Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Technology •...
  • Page 8 Audio • 7.1 CH HD Audio with Content Protection (Realtek ALC1150 Audio Codec) • Premium Blu-ray Audio support • Supports Surge Protection (ASRock Full Spike Protection) • ELNA Audio Caps • PCIE x1 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 Mb/s • Realtek RTL8111GR •...
  • Page 9 • 2 x USB 3.0 Ports (AMD A88X (Bolton-D4)) (Supports ESD Protection (ASRock Full Spike Protection)) • 2 x USB 2.0 Ports (Supports ESD Protection (ASRock Full Spike Protection)) • 1 x RJ-45 LAN Port with LED (ACT/LINK LED and SPEED LED) •...
  • Page 10 • ErP/EuP Ready (ErP/EuP ready power supply is re- quired) * For detailed product information, please visit our website: http://www.asrock.com WARNING Please realize that there is a certain risk involved with overclocking, including adjusting the setting in the BIOS, applying Untied Overclocking Technology, or using third-party overclocking tools.

  • Page 11: Motherboard Layout

    1.3 Motherboard Layout CPU_FAN1 CPU_FAN2 ATX12V1 USB 3.1 T: USB31_TA_1 B: USB31_TC_1 USB 3.0 T: USB1 B: USB2 CHA_FAN1 CMOS Battery A88M-G/3.1 PCIE1 USB3.1 PCIE2 PCI Express 3.0 PCIE3 CLRMOS1 PCI1 SATA3_2 SATA3_4 64Mb BIOS PLED1 USB_3_4 USB_5_6 SATA3_1 SATA3_3...
  • Page 12 A88M-G/3.1 No. Description ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1) CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1) CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN2) 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots (DDR3_A1, DDR3_B1) 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots (DDR3_A2, DDR3_B2) ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1) USB 3.0 Header (USB3_3_4)

  • Page 13: I/O Panel

    1.4 I/O Panel No. Description No. Description USB 2.0 Ports (USB_1_2) Optical SPDIF Out Port D-Sub Port (VGA1) USB 3.0 Ports (USB3_1_2) LAN RJ-45 Port* HDMI Port Central / Bass (Orange) DVI-D Port (DVI1) Rear Speaker (Black) USB 3.1 Type-A Port (USB31_TA_1) Line In (Light Blue) USB 3.1 Type-C Port (USB31_TC_1) Front Speaker (Lime)***...
  • Page 14 A88M-G/3.1 * It is recommended to install the USB Keyboard/Mouse cable to USB 2.0 ports (USB_1_2) instead of USB 3.0 ports. ** There are two LEDs on the LAN port. Please refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indica- tions.

  • Page 15: Installation

    2. Installation This is an Micro ATX form factor motherboard. Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard fits into it. Pre-installation Precautions Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings.

  • Page 16: Cpu Installation

    A88M-G/3.1 2.1 CPU Installation Step 1. Unlock the socket by lifting the lever up to a 90 angle. Step 2. Position the CPU directly above the socket such that the CPU corner with the golden triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle.

  • Page 17: Installation Of Cpu Fan And Heatsink

    2.2 Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink After you install the CPU into this motherboard, it is necessary to install a larger heatsink and cooling fan to dissipate heat. You also need to spray thermal grease between the CPU and the heatsink to improve heat dis- sipation.

  • Page 18: Installation Of Memory Modules (Dimm)

    A88M-G/3.1 2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM) This motherboard provides four 240-pin DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3) DIMM slots, and supports Dual Channel Memory Technology. 1. For dual channel configuration, you always need to install identical (the same brand, speed, size and chip-type) DDR3 DIMM pairs.

  • Page 20: Expansion Slots (Pci And Pci Express Slots)

    A88M-G/3.1 2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots) There are 1 PCI slot and 3 PCI Express slots on this motherboard. Before installing an expansion card, please make sure that the power supply is switched off or the power cord is unplugged. Please read the documenta- tion of the expansion card and make necessary hardware settings for the card before you start the installation.

  • Page 21: Jumpers Setup

    2.5 Jumpers Setup The illustration shows how jumpers are setup. When the jumper cap is placed on pins, the jumper is “Short”. If no jumper cap is placed on pins, the jumper is “Open”. The illustration shows a 3-pin jumper whose pin1 and pin2 are “Short”...

  • Page 22: Onboard Headers And Connectors

    A88M-G/3.1 2.6 Onboard Headers and Connectors Onboard headers and connectors are NOT jumpers. Do NOT place jumper caps over these headers and connectors. Placing jumper caps over the headers and connectors will cause permanent damage of the motherboard! Serial ATA3 Connectors...
  • Page 23 Front Panel Audio Header This is an interface for the front PRESENCE# panel audio cable that allows (9-pin HD_AUDIO1) MIC_RET OUT_RET convenient connection and (see p.6 No. 25) control of audio devices. OUT2_L J_SENSE OUT2_R MIC2_R MIC2_L 1. High Definition Audio supports Jack Sensing, but the panel wire on the chassis must support HDA to function correctly.
  • Page 24 A88M-G/3.1 PLED (System Power LED): Connect to the power status indicator on the chassis front panel. The LED is on when the system is operating. The LED keeps blinking when the sys-tem is in S3 sleep state. The LED is off when the system is in S4 sleep state or powered off (S5).
  • Page 25 Though this motherboard provides 4-Pin CPU fan (Quiet Fan) support, the 3-Pin CPU fan still can work successfully even without the fan speed control function. If you plan to connect the 3-Pin CPU fan to the CPU fan connector on this motherboard, please connect it to Pin 1-3.
  • Page 26 A88M-G/3.1 TPM Header This connector supports Trust- ed Platform Module (TPM) (17-pin TPMS1) (see p.6, No. 23) system, which can securely store keys, digital certificates, passwords, and data. A TPM system also helps enhance network security, protects digital identities, and ensures...

  • Page 27: Amd Dual Graphics Operation Guide

    2.7 AMD Dual Graphics Operation Guide This motherboard supports AMD Dual Graphics feature. AMD Dual Graphics brings multi-GPU performance capabilities by enabling an AMD A78 (Bolton-D3) integrated graphics processor and a discrete graphics processor to operate simultaneously with combined output to a single display for blisteringly-fast frame rates. Currently, ®...
  • Page 28 A88M-G/3.1 Step 7. You can also click “AMD VISION Engine Control Center” on your ® Windows taskbar to enter AMD VISION Engine Control Center. AMD VISION Engine Control Center Step 8. In AMD VISION Engine Control Center, please choose “Performance”.

  • Page 29: M.2_Ssd (Ngff) Module Installation Guide

    2.8 M.2_SSD (NGFF) Module Installation Guide The M.2, also known as the Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF), is a small size and versatile card edge connector that aims to replace mPCIe and mSATA. The M.2 Socket (M2_1) support M.2 PCI Express module up to Gen2 x4 (20Gb/s). * If PCIE3 is occupied, M2_1 will be disabled.
  • Page 30 A88M-G/3.1 Step 3 Move the standoff based on the module type and length. The standoff is placed at the nut location D by default. Skip Step 3 and 4 and go straight to Step 5 if you are going to use the default nut.
  • Page 31 256GB PCIe 2260 SD6PP4M-256G *Please note that the M.2 Socket on this motherboard supports M.2 PCI Express module up to Gen2 x4 (20Gb/s). For the latest updates of M.2_SSD (NFGG) module support list, please visit our website for details: http://www.asrock.com...

  • Page 32: Software And Utilities Operation

    A88M-G/3.1 3. Software and Utilities Operation 3.1 Installing Drivers The Support CD that comes with the motherboard contains necessary drivers and useful utilities that enhance the motherboard’s features. Running The Support CD To begin using the support CD, insert the CD into your CD-ROM drive.

  • Page 33: A-Tuning

    XFast RAM, Good Night LED, FAN-Tastic Tuning, OC Tweaker and a whole lot more. 3.2.1 Installing A-Tuning A-Tuning can be downloaded from ASRock Live Update & APP Shop. After the installation, you will find the icon “A-Tuning“ on your desktop. Double-click the “A-Tuning“...
  • Page 34 A88M-G/3.1 OC Tweaker Configurations for overclocking the system. System Info View information about the system. *The System Browser tab may not appear for certain models.
  • Page 35 Settings Configure ASRock A-Tuning. Click to select "Auto run at Windows Startup" if you want A-Tuning to be launched when you start up the Windows operating system.

  • Page 36: Asrock Live Update & App Shop

    Double-click on your desktop to access ASRock Live Update & APP Shop utility. *You need to be connected to the Internet to download apps from the ASRock Live Update & APP Shop. 3.3.1 UI Overview Category Panel...
  • Page 37 3.3.2 Apps When the "Apps" tab is selected, you will see all the available apps on screen for you to download. Installing an App Step 1 Find the app you want to install. The most recommended app appears on the left side of the screen. The other various apps are shown on the right.
  • Page 38 A88M-G/3.1 Step 3 If you want to install the app, click on the red icon to start downloading. Step 4 When installation completes, you can find the green "Installed" icon appears on the upper right corner. To uninstall it, simply click on the trash can icon...
  • Page 39 Upgrading an App You can only upgrade the apps you have already installed. When there is an available new version for your app, you will find the mark of "New Version" appears below the installed app icon. Step 1 Click on the app icon to see more details. Step 2 Click on the yellow icon to start upgrading.
  • Page 40 A88M-G/3.1 3.3.3 BIOS & Drivers Installing BIOS or Drivers When the "BIOS & Drivers" tab is selected, you will see a list of recommended or critical updates for the BIOS or drivers. Please update them all soon. Step 1 Please check the item information before update. Click on to see more details.
  • Page 41 3.3.4 Setting In the "Setting" page, you can change the language, select the server location, and determine if you want to automatically run the ASRock Live Update & APP Shop on Windows startup.

  • Page 42: Uefi Setup Utility

    4. UEFI SETUP UTILITY 4.1 Introduction ASRock Interactive UEFI is a blend of system configuration tools, cool sound ef- fects and stunning visuals. Not only will it make BIOS setup less difficult but also a lot more amusing. This section explains how to use the UEFI SETUP UTILITY to configure your system.

  • Page 43: Navigation Keys

    4.1.2 Navigation Keys Please check the following table for the function description of each navigation key. Navigation Key(s) Function Description Moves cursor left or right to select Screens Moves cursor up or down to select items + / - To change option for the selected items <Tab>...

  • Page 44: Oc Tweaker Screen

    A88M-G/3.1 4.3 OC Tweaker Screen In the OC Tweaker screen, you can set up overclocking features. CPU Configuration Overclock Mode Use this to select Overclock Mode. Configuration options: [Auto] and [Manual]. The default value is [Auto]. Spread Spectrum This item should always be [Auto] for better system stability.
  • Page 45 Processor Maximum Frequency It will display Processor Maximum Frequency for reference. Processor Maximum Voltage It will display Processor Maximum Voltage for reference. Multiplier/Voltage Change This item is set to [Auto] by default. If it is set to [Manual], you may adjust the value of Processor Frequency and Processor Voltage.
  • Page 46 A88M-G/3.1 DRAM Timing Control DRAM Slot Use this item to view SPD data. DRAM Timing Control Use this item to control DRAM timing. Power Down Enable Use this item to enable or disable DDR power down mode. Bank Interleaving Interleaving allows memory accesses to be spread out over banks on the same node, or accross nodes, decreasing access contention.

  • Page 47: Advanced Screen

    4.4 Advanced Screen In this section, you may set the configurations for the following items: CPU Configu- ration, Nouth Bridge Configuration, South Bridge Configuration, Storage Configura- tion, Super IO Configuration, ACPI Configuration, USB Configuration and Trusted Computing. Setting wrong values in this section may cause the system to malfunction.

  • Page 48: Cpu Configuration

    A88M-G/3.1 4.4.1 CPU Configuration Core C6 Mode Use this item to enable or disable Core C6 mode. The default value is [Enabled]. Package C6 Mode This item appears only when you enable the item “Core C6 Mode”. Use this item to enable or disable Package C6 mode. The default value is [Disabled].

  • Page 49: North Bridge Configuration

    4.4.2 North Bridge Configuration IOMMU This allows you to enable or disable IOMMU support. Primary Graphics Adapter This item will switch the PCI Bus scanning order while searching for video card. It allows you to select the type of Primary VGA in case of multiple video controllers.

  • Page 50: South Bridge Configuration

    A88M-G/3.1 4.4.3 South Bridge Configuration Onboard HD Audio Select [Auto], [Enabled] or [Disabled] for the onboard HD Audio feature. If you select [Auto], the onboard HD Audio will be disabled when PCI Sound Card is plugged. Front Panel Select [Auto] or [Disabled] for the onboard HD Audio Front Panel.

  • Page 51: Storage Configuration

    4.4.4 Storage Configuration SATA Controller Use this item to enable or disable the “SATA Controller” feature. SATA Mode Use this item to adjust SATA Mode. The default value of this option is [AHCI Mode]. Configuration options: [AHCI Mode], [RAID Mode] and [IDE Mode]. If you set this item to RAID mode, it is suggested to install SATA ODD driver on SATA_5, SATA_6, SATA_7 and SATA_8 ports.

  • Page 52: Super Io Configuration

    A88M-G/3.1 4.4.5 Super IO Configuration PS2 Y-Cable Enable the PS2 Y-Cable or set this option to Auto. Serial Port Use this item to enable or disable the onboard serial port. Serial Port Address Use this item to set the address for the onboard serial port.

  • Page 53: Acpi Configuration

    4.4.6 ACPI Configuration Suspend to RAM Use this item to select whether to auto-detect or disable the Suspend-to- RAM feature. Select [Auto] will enable this feature if the OS supports it. Check Ready Bit Enable to enter the operating system after S3 only when the hard disk is ready, this is recommended for better system stability.
  • Page 54 A88M-G/3.1 USB Keyboard/Remote Power On Use this item to enable or disable USB Keyboard/Remote to power on the system. USB Mouse Power On Use this item to enable or disable USB Mouse to power on the system. ACPI HPET table Use this item to enable or disable ACPI HPET Table.

  • Page 55: Usb Configuration

    4.4.7 USB Configuration USB 2.0 Controller Use this item to enable or disable the use of USB 2.0 controller. A88X USB 3.0 Controller Use this item to enable or disable the use of USB 3.0 controller. Legacy USB Support Use this option to select legacy support for USB devices. There are four confi guration options: [Enabled], [Auto], [Disabled] and [UEFI Setup Only].

  • Page 56: Trusted Computing

    A88M-G/3.1 4.4.8 Trusted Computing Security Device Support Enable or disable BIOS support for security device.

  • Page 57: Tool

    OMG, guest accounts without permission to modify the system time are required. UEFI Tech Service Contact ASRock Tech Service if you are having trouble with your PC. Please setup network configuration before using UEFI Tech Service. Easy RAID Installer Easy RAID Installer helps you to copy the RAID driver from the support CD to your USB storage device.
  • Page 58 A88M-G/3.1 UEFI file to your USB flash drive, floppy disk or hard drive and launch this tool, then you can update your UEFI only in a few clicks without prepar- ing an additional floppy diskette or other complicated flash utility. Please be noted that the USB flash drive or hard drive must use FAT32/16/12 file system.

  • Page 59: Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen

    4.6 Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen In this section, it allows you to monitor the status of the hardware on your system, including the parameters of the CPU temperature, motherboard temperature, CPU fan speed, chassis fan speed, and the critical voltage. CPU Fan 1 &...

  • Page 60: Boot Screen

    A88M-G/3.1 4.7 Boot Screen In this section, it will display the available devices on your system for you to config- ure the boot settings and the boot priority. Fast Boot Fast Boot minimizes your computer’s boot time. There are three con- figuration options: [Disabled], [Fast] and [Ultra Fast].
  • Page 61 AddOn ROM Display [Force BIOS] - The third-party ROM messages will be forced to display during the bootsequence. [Keep Current] - The third-party ROM messages will be displayed only if the third-partymanufacturer had set the add-on device to do so. Boot Failure Guard Enable or disable the feature of Boot Failure Guard.

  • Page 62: Security Screen

    A88M-G/3.1 4.8 Security Screen In this section, you may set or change the supervisor/user password for the system. For the user password, you may also clear it. Secure Boot ® Enable to support Windows 8.1 Secure Boot.

  • Page 63: Exit Screen

    4.9 Exit Screen Save Changes and Exit When you select this option, it will pop-out the following message, “Save configuration changes and exit setup?” Select [OK] to save the changes and exit the UEFI SETUP UTILITY. Discard Changes and Exit When you select this option, it will pop-out the following message, “Discard changes and exit setup?”...
  • Page 64 A88M-G/3.1 Contact Information If you need to contact ASRock or want to know more about ASRock, you’re welcome to visit ASRock’s website at http://www.asrock.com; or you may contact your dealer for further information. For technical questions, please submit a support request form at http://www.asrock.com/support/tsd.asp...

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